Hyeseon Hong Jazz Orchestra THINGS WILL PASS

July 11, 2024

HYESEON HONG JAZZ ORCHESTRA

THINGS WILL PASS

Pacific Coast Jazz

Hyeseon Hong, composer/conductor/arranger/percussion; RHYTHM: Broc Hempel, piano; Matt Panayides, guitar/percussion; Evan Gregor, bass; Jeff Davis, drums; Aubrey Johnson & Lauren Lee, vocals; WOODWINDS: Ben Kono, soprano & alto saxophone/flute/wooden flute; Alejandro Aviles, alto saxophone/flute; Rich Perry, tenor saxophone; Quinsin Nachoff, tenor sax/clarinet; Andrew Hadro, baritone sax/bass clarinet. TRUMPET/FLUGELHORN: John Lake, David Smith, Colin Brigstocke, & Jonathan Saraga. TROMBONES: Mike Fahle, Daiel Linden, Nick Grinder & Becca Patterson.

Hyeseon Hong was one of the first Korean jazz composers to transplant herself from Seoul, Korea to the New York City jazz scene. She made quite a splash, swimming through the challenges that musicians face in the crowded jazz community of NYC. Not only was she a composer, bandleader, and arranger, she was a female who formed and was leading her own orchestra.

At the turn of the century, Hyeseon Hong’s Jazz Orchestra was performing at several now defunct clubs popular in the East Village at that time. She was making a big name for herself. Ms. Hong presented an unusual approach to merging Korean culture with American jazz, using her large ensemble to perform her original compositions. Audiences were mesmerized by Hong’s talents. Her prior album release was titled “EE-YA-GI” and was highly praised.

On her latest album, “Things Will Pass” they open with “Road to Hana.” A strong bassline carries us into the groove, with a backbeat that grabs at the ear and won’t let go. David Smith is featured on trumpet, making a brilliant statement during his solo. “Memoirs of Ladies” comes next and is stuffed with Asian culture from the first strains of the Jeff Davis mallets hitting the drums and the horns harmonizing their way down the scale to introduce a sweet flute solo. I am transported to Korea musically. When Rich Perry steps stage center for a tenor saxophone solo, he incorporates his strong jazz presence.

“Raindrops Journey” is beauty and drama rolled into a tight orchestral ball. Pianist Broc Hempel is featured, and John McMahon adds a human whistle at the top of the tune that sets the scene. Hong adds background voices to the mix, and they add mystery and intrigue to the melodic piece.

“Run Away” features Aubrey Johnson on vocals. She sings in a vocalese way, interpreting Hong’s challenging and beautiful melody with ease. The funky drive of the horns and rhythm section make the piece quite contemporary. The guitar of Matt Panayides steals the attention with his captivating solo. Her compositions continue. “Waltzing With Dad” is warm and wonderful, with a melody that is full of comfort and begs to have lyrics. David Smith takes a solo on flugelhorn that is hypnotic. The strings in the background add both beauty and substance to the arrangement.

This is the best album I’ve heard by the Hyeseon Hong Jazz Orchestra. From the very first tune to the last one called, “We Will Meet Again” you will be thoroughly entertained.

Reviewed by Dee Dee McNeil

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